Peach tree WH215

ABSTRACT

A late-ripening peach tree bearing yellow-fleshed fruit which ships well and is non-browning.

This invention is a new and distinct variety of peach tree discovered byJ. Wilson Hughes in a cultivated area in Sept., 1967, on the Kniselproperty, Haudingsville Road, Elk Township, County of Gloucester, N.J.,behind the old packing house on the south side of the road.

The tree was propagated by bud grafting into young trees at the HilltopOrchards & Nurseries, Inc., Hartford, Mich. and the uniquecharacteristics of the peach tree have been maintained through asexualpropagation. The specimens grown at Hilltop were assigned theexperimental number of WH215and the variety has been named "Sweet Sue".

The original tree, fruit and a branch with typical leaves are depictedin the enlarged color photograph that is part of this application. TheRio Oso Gem Peach Tree Variety is the assumed seed parent of the varietyclaimed and described hereafter.

TREE

Habit: Medium vigor, upright spreading, more vigorous than Rio Oso Gemwhich the entire tree closely resembles.

Disease Resistance: Good resistance to bacterial leafspot compared withRio Oso Gem and the fruit and leaves are notably free of bacterialleafspot when compared with Rio Oso Gem.

LEAF

Typical peach leaf, resembles Rio Oso Gem.

FLOWER

Showy, the same as Rio Oso Gem.

FRUIT

Size and shape: Large, about 2κ" diameter, same as Rio Oso Gem, withmuch smoother suture line, overall skin condition is normally more freeof bacterial leafspot then the parent Rio Oso Gem.

Color: When compared with Rio Oso Gem, the fruit has a brighter yellowgroundcolor, and a much brighter red overcolor, giving a mottledappearance. The color develops from distal (blossom) end of the fruitand the cheek is the typical speckled pinkish red of Rio Oso Gem and theback side fills in with striping and blotching of red. The red color isformed by many red dots or specks flowing together to appear as a blush,and the isolated dots are more apparent than on Rio Oso Gem because ofthe bright yellow groundcolor.

Pit Size: Small, being about 15/8"×11/8"×7/8".

Flesh: Yellow with a red pit cavity which infiltrates into the fleshsomewhat with considerable red in the suture line.

Skin: Smooth, almost no pubescence.

Texture: Very firm, somewhat coarse, melting.

Quality: Good, strong somewhat acid flavor.

Aroma: Very pleasant.

Maturity: Late season maturity, about two days later than Rio Oso Gem,very uniform ripening and very heavy early bearing.

Keeping Quality: Superior keeping and shipping quality.

Use: Used as a commercial shipping fresh market peach. Flesh isnon-browning.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree substantially asshown and described.